M I N U T E S
GENERAL
COMMITTEE
November 22, 2010
Meeting No. 21
Finance & Administrative Issues Community
Services Issues
Chair: Regional
Councillor J. Virgilio Chair: Councillor A. Chiu
Environment
& Sustainability Issues Building,
Parks, & Construction Issues
Chair: Councillor E. Shapero Chair: Councillor C. Moretti
Alternate formats
are available upon request.
Attendance
Mayor F. Scarpitti Regional Councillor G. Landon Regional Councillor J. Virgilio Councillor V. Burke Councillor. E. Shapero Councillor D. Hamilton Councillor J. Webster Councillor A. Chiu Regrets Regional Councillor J. Jones Councillor C. Moretti Councillor D. Horchik Councillor L. Kanapathi |
J. Livey, Chief Administrative Officer C. Conrad, Town Solicitor J. Baird, Commissioner of Development Services B. Librecz, Commissioner of Community & Fire Services A. Taylor, Commissioner of Corporate Services P.
Ingham, General Manager, Operations M. Ingwersen, District
Manager, Operations P.
Loukes, Director, Operations J. Lustig, Treasurer A. Moore, Manager of Purchasing R. Raman, Manager, Accounting & Expenditure Control C. Service, Manager, Planning & Policy Development N. Takata, Parks Planner G. Taylor, Manager,
Community Centre Operations M. Urquhart,
Manager of Environmental Leadership K. Bavington, Committee Clerk |
|
The General Committee convened at the hour of 9:05 a.m. with Regional
Councillor J. Virgilio in the Chair; Councillor A. Chiu Chaired Community
Services related items; and Councillor E. Shapero Chaired Environment and
Sustainability related items.
The CAO, on
behalf of staff, made a presentation of appreciation to the retiring Chair,
Regional Councillor J. Virgilio for his years of service and leadership; and to
retiring Councillor E. Shapero for her dedication in environmental issues. Departing
Councillor J. Webster was also recognized for his contributions on the
Development Services Committee. The departing Committee members thanked Council
and staff for their support, and for their rewarding years spent with Markham.
DISCLOSURE OF INTEREST
Councillor J. Webster disclosed an interest with respect to Item # 26, Clause 9, Markham Environmental Issues funding applications, regarding Community Gardens, by nature of being involved in his own community garden, and did not take part in the discussion of or vote on the question of the approval of such matters.
Sophia Wong and Jennifer Grant of the York Region Children’s Aid
Society Board made a presentation regarding the services of the Society and the
status of funding.
The Committee expressed appreciation for the presentation and concurred
with the importance of the Society and the need to engage other government
levels. It was noted that York Region services receive 40 cents per child for
every dollar that Toronto gets.
The Regional Council is sending a letter to the Province urging more
equitable funding , and it was suggested that the Town of Markham send a
similar message to the Province, referring to the level of funding and the
level of growth in York Region. In addition, support will be sought from the
Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) and all York Region municipalities.
A further suggestion was made that the mayors on York Region’s
municipalities, and the Chair of the Regional Council make a deputation to the Premier.
Staff was directed to prepare a draft letter for the Council meeting on
November 23, 2010.
Moved by Councillor E. Shapero
Seconded by Regional Councillor G. Landon
1) That the Deputation by Ms. Jennifer Grant and Ms. Sophia Wong from the Board of Directors of the York Region Children’s Aid Society be received; and
2)
That the Town of Markham forward the following
resolution to the attention of Premier Dalton McGuinty and the Minister of Children
and Youth Services Laurel Broten:
Whereas York Region is the third lowest
funded Children’s Aid Society Board in the Province of Ontario, receiving 40
cents on the dollar compared to Toronto;
And Whereas the funding for the most
vulnerable children in York Region is approaching a crisis level, compromising
services and placing children at risk;
And Whereas the Town of Markham views the
potential impacts on child protection as unacceptable;
Now Therefore, be it resolved, the Town of
Markham strongly requests the Province to increase funding to the York Region
Children’s Aid Society Board to be equitable to that of other Regions.; and
3)
That the resolution be forwarded to other
municipalities in York Region, and the Association of Municipalities of Ontario
(AMO), petitioning their support; and further,
4)
* That Regional Chair and CEO Bill Fisch and the
Mayors of all municipalities in York Region be encouraged to make a deputation
to the Province in this regard.
CARRIED
* Amended at Council, November 23 and 24, 2010, to delete Clause 4 and
replace it with the following:
“4. That the Town of Markham request the
Regional Chair and CEO Bill Fisch convene a meeting with the Minister of
Children and Youth Services Laurel Broten on behalf of the York Region
Municipalities.”
CARRIED
John Bell, Rob Chillingworth and Brian Forrester made a deputation,
requesting approval to use snowplowing equipment on ice rinks. They outlined
their concerns and the proposed snow clearing plan, and thanked Councillor
Burke for her support.
Paul Ingham outlined the staff recommendation and advised that the
insurance and legal aspects have been reviewed. The Committee directed staff to
pursue volunteer snowplowing by commercial businesses in exchange for
promotional considerations.
A concern was expressed that using Town resources to clear the snow
should not impact windrow assistance being provided to eligible households. The
Committee discussed the budget and the cost-sharing proposal. Staff explained that
this is similar to other community arrangements, taking Town policies and
budget issues into consideration.
The Committee discussed policies, options, and service levels in
clearing the snow as soon as is reasonable. It was agreed to proceed with the
staff recommendation and to direct staff to provide a report at the end of the
season, including a review of volunteer business involvement.
The Committee thanked the volunteers for their efforts for the
community
The Committee voted on Clause 3 separately.
Moved by Councillor V. Burke
Seconded by Councillor J. Webster
1) That the Deputation by Mr. Rob Chillingworth, Mr. Brian Forrester and Mr. John Bell, Volunteer Ice Rink Co-ordinators for Thornhill be received; and,
2) That the Volunteer Ice Rink Policy be amended to allow use of snow plowing equipment to remove snow from the ice rinks; and,
3) That Council direct staff to negotiate a
Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Volunteer Ice Rink Groups, in a form
satisfactory to the Town Solicitor, to allow plowing of ice rinks using a
combination of Options A and B, as outlined in this report, and that staff
be directed to look at alterative options for local snow plowing businesses to
volunteer services, provided all necessary requirements are in place; and,
4) That the Town’s contribution towards ice rink snow clearing by contracted services be included in the current ‘ice rink materials’ cost sharing agreement with Volunteer Groups (to an upset limit of $500 per location per year); and,
5) That Option D, snow removal by use of a snow blower not be allowed due to safety issues; and further,
6) That Staff be authorized and directed to do all things necessary to give effect to this resolution.
CARRIED
K. Soneji, ext. 2681 Report on Page 19
Raj Raman gave an overview of this item, and introduced Kevin Travers of KPMG, LLP.
Mr. Travers presented a summary of the audit review and identified items of interest arising from the audit that are important and relevant to the Audit Committee. The Committee discussed issues relating to PowerStream investments and auditing changes. Staff was requested to provide a five-year paving performance evaluation in future reporting.
Moved by Deputy Mayor J. Heath
Seconded by Councillor A. Chiu
1) That the Presentation and Report by Mr. Kevin Travers, Partner, entitled “2009 Audit Review by KPMG, LLP” be received.
CARRIED
IN CAMERA
MATTERS
Moved by Mayor F. Scarpitti
Seconded by Regional Councillor G. Landon
That, in accordance with Sections 239 (2) (a) of the Municipal Act, General Committee resolve into an in-camera session to discuss the following confidential matter:
1) Advice that is subject to security of the property of the municipality or local board.
CARRIED
Moved by Mayor F. Scarpitti
Seconded by Regional Councillor G. Landon
That the Committee rise from the in-camera session (11:16 AM) and report.
CARRIED
Moved by Mayor F. Scarpitti
Seconded by Deputy Mayor J. Heath
That the verbal update and clarification on processes and other issues, from Kevin Travers of KPMG, LLP, be received.
CARRIED
Moved by Deputy Mayor J.
Heath
Seconded by Councillor J.
Webster
1) That the Minutes of the September 13 and 20, 2010 General Committee be confirmed.
Moved by Deputy Mayor J.
Heath
Seconded by Councillor J.
Webster
1) That the Minutes of the September 15, October 27, and November 17, 2010 Advisory Committee on Accessibility be received for information purposes.
Moved by Deputy Mayor J. Heath
Seconded by Councillor J. Webster
1) That the Minutes of the September 15, 2010 Animal Care Committee be received for information purposes.
Moved by Deputy Mayor J. Heath
Seconded by Councillor J. Webster
1) That the Minutes of the August 11, 2010 Building A Creative Markham Advisory Committee be received for information purposes.
Moved by Deputy Mayor J. Heath
Seconded by Councillor J. Webster
1) That the Minutes of the June 10 and September 23, 2010 Cycling & Pedestrian Advisory Committee be received for information purposes.
Moved by Deputy Mayor J. Heath
Seconded by Councillor J. Webster
1) That the
Minutes of the September 16 and October 14, 2010 Environmental Advisory
Committee be received for information purposes.
Moved by Deputy Mayor J. Heath
Seconded by Councillor J. Webster
1) That the Minutes of the September 7, 2010 East Markham Community Centre and Library Sub-Committee be received for information purposes.
Moved by Deputy Mayor J. Heath
Seconded by Councillor J. Webster
1) That the Minutes of the July 8 and October 13, 2010 Public Art Advisory Committee be received for information purposes.
Moved by Deputy Mayor J. Heath
Seconded by Councillor J. Webster
1) That the Minutes of the June 28, and September 27, 2010 Public Library Board be received for information purposes.
Moved by Deputy Mayor J. Heath
Seconded by Councillor J. Webster
1) That the Minutes of the September 13 and October 4, 2010 Race Relations Committee be received for information purposes.
September October 6 October 27 November
Moved by Deputy Mayor J. Heath
Seconded by Councillor J. Webster
1) That the Minutes of the September 8, October 6, 27 and November 10, 2010 Santa Claus Parade Committee be received for information purposes.
Moved by Deputy Mayor J. Heath
Seconded by Councillor J. Webster
1) That the Minutes of the September 8, October 6, and November 3 2010 The Friends of the Markham Museum Foundation Board be received for information purposes.
Moved by Deputy Mayor J. Heath
Seconded by Councillor J. Webster
1) That the Minutes of the June 28 and September 13, 2010 Varley McKay Art Foundation of Markham be received for information purposes.
Moved by Deputy Mayor J. Heath
Seconded by Councillor J. Webster
1) That the Minutes of the June 30, 2010 Unionville Business Improvement Area Board be received for information purposes.
Moved by Deputy Mayor J. Heath
Seconded by Councillor J. Webster
1) That the Minutes of the September 14 and October 12, 2010 Seniors Advisory Committee be received for information purposes and,
2) That Council consider the following resolution passed at the September 14, 2010 Seniors Advisory Committee:
“That the Seniors Advisory Committee strongly
recommend that the Town of Markham Council allocate adequate space for seniors
at Community Centres; and,
That the Town of Markham Council ensure
allotted Community Centre space for seniors is at times of the day which permit
seniors to fully participate in recreational programs and activities; and,
That the Town of Markham Council include
proper space for seniors in its plans for new Community Centres
and when updating existing Community Centres; and further,
That the Seniors Advisory Committee be
consulted when allocating Community Centre space to seniors and when designing
new spaces for seniors.”
Moved by Deputy Mayor J. Heath
Seconded by Councillor J. Webster
Mayor’s Youth
Task Force
1) That the following persons be appointed to the Mayor’s Youth Task Force, for the term ending June 30, 2011 (see Note 1):
·
Kush Thaker
·
Mark Mercado
Seniors
Advisory Committee
2) That the resignation of Mr. Tasneem (Taz) Karimjee from the Seniors’ Advisory Committee be received with regret and that a letter of appreciation be forwarded (see Note 2); and,
3) That the vacancy be filled following the commencement of the new Council; and,
Friends of
Markham Museum Board
4) That the resignation of Mr. Vince Tortorici from the Friends of Markham Museum Board be received with regret and that a letter of appreciation be forwarded (see Note 3); and,
5) That the vacancy be filled following the commencement of the new Council and,
Cycling &
Pedestrian Advisory Committee
6) That the resignation of Ms. Sandra McEleney from the Cycling & Pedestrian Advisory Committee be received with regret and that a letter of appreciation be forwarded (see Note 4); and further,
7) That
the vacancy be filled following the commencement of the new Council.
A. Moore, ext. 4711
Staff responded to questions from the Committee on the following items:
# 175-T-10, Supply and Delivery of 2010 Mailbox Recycling Containers
and 2011 Blue Boxes:
A short presentation on the superboxes was requested for a future
meeting.
# 248-S-10, Standby Electrical Power to 8100 Warden Avenue:
Staff provided more details on the standby power connection.
# 052-T-10, Carlton Road Traffic Calming:
A Committee member requested an e-mail with additional information
regarding the source of funding to cover the shortfall for this project.
# 205-T-10, Construction of Extension to the Varley Art Gallery:
It was noted that this project is under budget.
Moved by Deputy Mayor J.
Heath
Seconded by Councillor A.
Chiu
1) That the report entitled “Staff Awarded Contracts for the Month of September 2010” be received; and,
2) That Staff be authorized and directed to do all things necessary to give effect to this resolution.
CARRIED
A. Moore, ext. 4711
Staff responded to questions
from the Committee on the following items:
# 229-S-10, Advertising Services for 2011 Markham Economist and Sun and the distribution of Markham Life:
The Committee discussed consolidation of publication and distribution services. It was suggested that the Communications Committee could look into opportunities. It was also noted that delivery in the Thornhill area has not been consistent, and staff was requested to review the numbers and alternatives. Staff are working to resolve this concern.
Moved by Deputy Mayor J.
Heath
Seconded by Councillor A.
Chiu
1) That
the report entitled “Staff Awarded Contracts for the Month of October 2010” be
received; and,
2)
That Staff be authorized and directed to do all things
necessary to give effect to this resolution.
CARRIED
Mark Visser, ext. 4260
The Committee discussed the
variables and benefits of investing a pool of small sums versus banking it, and
allocation issues. Staff was requested to review this policy.
Moved by Councillor A. Chiu
Seconded by Councillor V.
Burke
1) That the report dated October 12, 2010 entitled “2010 Third Quarter Investment Performance Review” be received.
CARRIED
V. Siu, ext. 2232
Moved by Councillor J. Webster
Seconded by Councillor E. Shapero
1) That the report dated December 1, 2010 entitled “September 2010 Year-To-Date Review of Operations and Year-End Projection” be received; and,
2) That the “Additional Financial Disclosure Requirements Pursuant to Ontario Regulation 284/09” be received for information purposes.
B. Snowball, ext. 5982
Moved by Regional Councillor J. Virgilio
Seconded by Councillor D. Hamilton
1) That the report entitled, “Winter Parking Pilot Program” be received; and,
2) That Council endorse the continuation of the pilot project initiated in 2009 to restrict parking on the “even” numbered side of the street, applicable to all municipal roads, from November 15, 2010 to April 15, 2011; and,
3) That the education and communications campaign commence as soon as possible; and,
4) That The Winter Parking Committee report back in Spring 2011, with the results of the pilot project; and
5) That the funding for the education and communications campaign be provided from the Operations Department operating account 700 998 5801 to an upset limit of $3500; and further,
6) That Staff be authorized and directed to do all things necessary to give effect to this resolution.
CARRIED
Colin Service, ext. 7543
Commissioner Librecz advised that a comprehensive update will be
provided at a future meeting, and that all projects are on target to meet
deadlines.
Colin Service gave a presentation on operating plans and the impacts of
infrastructure projects.
Operating and staffing assumptions were reviewed.
The Committee noted the excitement generated in the community for the
infrastructure projects. Discussions included the integration of Works and Roads
Departments resources for some of the operating functions, and sponsorship
opportunities to offset operating costs, particularly for the ice rink and
tennis facilities.
It was noted that the Civic Centre rink catering contract should specify
the use of Fair Trade products. With respect to energy costs, staff will track expenditures
and consider retrofits for solar energy.
Staff provided clarification of programming revenues from the tennis
facility, and the free use and capacity of the Civic Centre rink. It was agreed
to endorse the proposed operating plan to allow the necessary actions to
proceed, and that staff will report back with an update and proposal for the
2011 operating plan. A discussion will be required on savings fund policies.
Moved by Mayor F. Scarpitti
Seconded by Councillor D. Hamilton
1) That the report entitled “Infrastructure Projects – Operating Plans & Impacts” be received; and,
2) That Council support the operating plans set forth; and,
3) That Staff incorporate the operating impacts of the various Infrastructure Projects in the 2011 Operating Budget submission; and further,
4) That Staff be authorized and directed to do all things necessary to give effect to this resolution.
Councillor J. Webster disclosed an interest with respect to Item # 26, Clause 9, regarding Community Gardens, by nature of being involved in his own community garden, and did not take part in the discussion of or vote on the question of the approval of such matters.
Staff confirmed that provision of signage promoting Markham’s funding
support is a requirement of the approvals for most of the projects.
The Committee commented on the exciting projects coming forward, and
thanked staff and the Chair for their work with the Markham Environmental Issues
Committee.
Moved by Regional Councillor J. Virgilio
Seconded by Councillor A. Chiu
1) That the Minutes of the Markham Environmental Issues Committee meeting, dated November 3, 2010, be received for information purposes; and,
2) That the Fall Funding Cycle 2010 Supplementary Information Memo, dated November 15, 2010, be received; and,
3) That the application by Dr. Jose Etcheverry, York University, for a Sustainable Energy Initiative be approved, to a maximum of $5,330.00, subject to York University executing an agreement with the Town, in a form satisfactory to the Town Solicitor, confirming the Town’s ownership of the Sun Eye Analysis device; and,
4) That the Commissioner of Community and Fire Services be authorized to execute the agreement on behalf of the Town, with Dr, Jose Etcheverry and York University; and,
5) That the funding application by David Suzuki Public School, for $2,040 for an outdoor classroom, be approved, subject to final review and approval of a site plan and species selection by Parks staff; and,
6) That the application by James Robinson Public School, for $5,000 for an organic waste recycling project, be approved, subject to working with Town of Markham Waste Management staff; and,
7) That the funding application by David Merriman, Facilities Coordinator, for $33,285 for a Green Spin Studio, be approved, including signage costs; and,
8) That the application by Vicky McGrath, Sustainability Office, for a school demonstration garden at Baythorn P.S., be approved in the amount of $1,816 subject to the consent of the school board; and,
9) That the request for Town funding of a community garden on a private condominium property at Stately Way, York Condominium Corporation No. 34, including programming and communications programs, be approved in the amount of $3,116 subject to securing condominium board approval to the satisfaction of the Town Solicitor; and,
10) That the Sustainability Office staff take all necessary steps, prior to release of funding for a school demonstration garden at Baythorn P.S. and a community garden at York Condominium Corporation No. 34, to ensure all necessary approvals are secured and soil testing has been taken; and,
11) That the funding application received from Alex Moore, Purchasing, to extend the contract for a part-time person until the end of March, 2011, to complete the Green Purchasing Guide be approved to a maximum amount of $15,000; and further,
12) That the Markham Trees For Tomorrow Fund Application request by 10,000 Trees for the Rouge, for $8,100, to conduct a series of fall tree plantings to restore 3 acres of floodplain along the north bank of the Little Rouge River to enhance the biological diversity and increase the effective riparian buffer along a 500+ m reach of this sensitive watershed area, be approved.
CARRIED
ADJOURNMENT
Committee adjourned at 12:47 p.m.